Jewellery Investment: Protecting Pieces That Appreciate Over Time

Jewellery has always been a cherished possession, carrying with it not just intrinsic value but also emotional significance. It's the symbol of love, heritage, and style. 

But what if we told you that your jewellery could be more than just a fashion statement or a token of affection? What if we told you it could be an investment? 

In this blog, we delve into the world of jewellery as an investment. We explore the types of jewellery that appreciate over time, offer advice on maintaining their value, and provide insights into the secret signs of appreciation.

Discover how to find out the true value of your jewellery - taking you on a journey from admiration to appraisal!

Types of Jewellery that Appreciate

What comes to mind when you think of jewellery that appreciates over time?

The truth is that certain types of jewellery are more likely to increase in value. These include:

• Vintage Pieces: Vintage jewellery, often characterised by its unique design and history, is highly sought after by collectors. The scarcity of these pieces due to discontinued designs or production methods often leads to an appreciation in value.
  
  
• Designer Jewellery: Jewellery crafted by renowned designers tends to appreciate as their creations gain recognition and popularity. Signature pieces from prestigious designers can become collectors' items.
  
  
• Rare Gemstones: Gemstones like coloured diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds, especially in larger sizes or unique colours, can significantly appreciate over time as their rarity becomes more apparent.

Be sure to keep an eye out for unique jewellery on your travels, educate yourself on the kinds of jewellery that strike you, and become acquainted with local antique stores and auction houses.

This is the perfect start to discovering jewellery as an investment. 

Signs of Appreciation In Value

You might be wondering how you can tell if your jewellery is appreciating in value.

Here are some key signs:

• Increasing Demand: When you notice that more people are seeking out the same types of jewellery that you own, it's often an indication of appreciation. This heightened demand can result in higher market prices.
  
  
• Provenance: If your jewellery has a documented history, particularly if it's linked to a famous person, royal family, or historical event, its value is likely to increase. Such provenance adds a layer of desirability and uniqueness that collectors find appealing.
  
  
• Rarity: Jewellery that becomes rarer as time passes is more likely to appreciate. Perhaps the gemstone used in your piece is no longer readily available, or the design is discontinued.

Appraising the Value Of Your Jewellery

Determining the value of your jewellery is a crucial step in the investment process. Here's how you can go about it:

• Professional Appraisal: Consult with a certified jewellery appraiser for an accurate and reliable valuation. They will assess the piece's quality, rarity, and condition to determine its market value.
  
  
• Track Market Value: Keep an eye on the market value of jewellery, especially if you're considering selling or insuring your pieces. This will help you stay informed about their worth.
  
  
• Dealers and Specialists: Ask experts who have extensive knowledge of the jewellery market. They can provide insights into the current value of your pieces based on many factors. These include brand reputation, design trends, and the demand for specific gemstones or materials.

Jewellery Investment Case Studies

In recent years, certain types of jewellery have experienced significant appreciation in value.

Here are a few examples:

1. The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond: In 2016, a 14.62-carat vivid blue diamond known as the Oppenheimer Blue became the most expensive gemstone ever sold at auction, fetching a price of 56.8 million CHF at Christie's Geneva.
   
   
   
2. The Pink Star Diamond Ring: In 2017, the Pink Star diamond ring, a 59.60-carat internally flawless vivid pink diamond, was sold at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong for over $71 million, setting a world record for the highest price ever paid for a diamond.
   
   
3. The Cullinan Dream Diamond: This 24.18-carat intense blue diamond was sold for $25.4 million at Christie's New York in 2016.
   
   
4. The 'Blue Moon' Diamond: In 2015, a 12.03-carat blue diamond called the 'Blue Moon' was sold for a record-breaking $48.5 million at a Sotheby's auction in Geneva.
   
   
5. The 'Apollo and Artemis' Diamonds: In 2017, a pair of exceptionally rare blue and pink diamonds, named 'The Apollo' and 'The Artemis,' sold separately at a Sotheby's auction in Geneva. The 'Apollo' was a 14.54-carat blue diamond that fetched around $42 million, and the 'Artemis,' a 16-carat pink diamond, sold for approximately $15 million.

These examples illustrate the tremendous value rare and exceptional gemstones and jewellery pieces can command at auction.

Such pieces often appreciate significantly over time and attract attention from both collectors and investors.

What are the Best Kinds of Jewellery to Invest In?

1. Coloured Diamonds: Coloured diamonds, particularly rarer colours like pink, blue, and red, have seen substantial appreciation in value. These diamonds have gained popularity among collectors and investors due to their rarity and unique beauty.
   
   
2. Vintage and Antique Jewellery: Vintage and antique jewellery, with distinctive designs from past eras, has gained significant value. The scarcity of these pieces due to discontinued styles or production methods has made them highly sought after by collectors.
   
   
3. Designer Jewellery: Jewellery created by renowned designers often appreciates as their work gains recognition and popularity. Signature pieces from prestigious designers can become collectors' items.
   
   
4. Natural Pearls: Natural pearls, especially larger ones, have grown in popularity. The scarcity of natural pearls has driven up their value significantly.
   
   
5. Gemstone Jewellery: Gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, especially in exceptional quality and unique colours, have appreciated significantly in recent years. Collectors and investors prize these rare gemstones.
   
   
6. High-Quality Watches: While not traditional jewellery, high-end watches from luxury brands have also appreciated in value. Limited-edition watches, especially those with historical significance, have become valuable assets.

It's essential to note that appreciation in jewellery value can vary based on factors such as market demand, rarity, and the overall condition of the piece.

To determine the appreciation of a piece, it's advisable to consult a professional jewellery appraiser.

Maintaining Your Jewellery Investment Over Time

Now that you understand which types of jewellery are more likely to appreciate over time, ensuring they retain their value is crucial. Proper maintenance is key.

Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Storage: Invest in a high-quality jewellery box or storage solution to protect your pieces from damage or scratches. Separate different types of jewellery and use soft cloth or pouches to prevent friction.
  
  
• Regular Cleaning: Clean your jewellery to remove dirt and oils that can accumulate over time. Use a soft brush and a mild, soapy solution. For delicate pieces, consult a professional jeweller for cleaning.
  
  
• Professional Restoration: Periodically, consider professional cleaning and restoration services to ensure that your jewellery maintains its original beauty and value. Professionals can identify and rectify any issues.

Securing Your Investment: JewelCover's Specialised Jewellery Insurance for Appreciating Pieces

Jewellery is not just an adornment; it's an invaluable investment. 

When you choose the right pieces, maintain them properly, and keep an eye on their market value, you can watch your jewellery portfolio appreciate over time.

If you're concerned about safeguarding your valuable jewellery investments, it's time to explore JewelCover. 

Our specialist jewellery insurance is custom-designed to protect pieces that appreciate in value, ensuring you can enjoy your jewellery with peace of mind, wherever your journey takes you.

Invest in your jewellery and your peace of mind with JewelCover. Get a free quote online now.